Focused Outreach to Three Counties in Upstate New York

Posted by Margot M on April 7th, 2025 Posted in: NLM Resources

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As part of our 2021-2026 Cooperative Agreement with the National Library of Medicine, we are conducting outreach to rural counties. The goal is to introduce, or re-introduce, the Network of the National Library of Medicine as a source of training in NLM products and funding for health-related projects. Outreach allows us to learn about the health priorities of the communities that we serve, and provides valuable insight that we can bring back to the National Library of Medicine.   

This fall, we met virtually with the Four County Library System and the South Central Regional Library Council in New York. They shared observations about the health information needs in Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties, and helped us make connections with local libraries. We scheduled in-person site visits for late September/early October. We visited eight public libraries, one college library, and one hospital library. We also dropped materials off at two other public libraries. 

Here is a sample of what we learned.

Health Information Priorities

• ADHD
• Arthritis
• Autism
• Childhood cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Lyme disease

Mental Health Priorities

• Substance Use Disorder
• Stress reduction
• Homelessness
• Domestic violence

Environmental Health Priorities

• Long-term impact of significant floods
• Water quality (high levels of manganese)

Region 7 Follow-Up

After our interviews, we contacted the library directors to offer funding. We provided funds to improve library collections and technology. We supported a speaker event at a public library in collaboration with Bassett Hospital. And, we offered MedlinePlus training through the Four County Library System.

Since 2021, we have observed differences in how rurality impacts health information access. Some rural counties are socioeconomically disparate, with pockets of affluence alongside significant poverty. Some communities attract tourism, like the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Otsego County. These communities experience an ebb and flow of resources and services.

Although all interviewees report transportation issues, communities in northern New England and Upstate New York need to travel further for health care services. Interviewees reported the need for information on mental health, substance use, water contamination, and older adult health. They want more education and support for improving services for people with autism. In 2023, interviewees spoke about domestic violence for the first time. ​